I have one list in my pocket. And I have many other lists in my head. I am trying to simultaneously follow directions, drive, answer my Little Ones’ endless questions, and tally up the items on my lists. Oh, and sing. We are all singing in the car too, of course.
My heart is fighting anxiety while at the same time brimming with excitement at what is to come.
We arrive at the farm, and my Little Ones, wide eyed with wonder, breathe in the magic of this place.
“Mama, there are goats! And chickens! Mama, look at the ducks…!” Their eyes are darting all over.
My mind wants to rush them along so that we can take it all in and move along on to the next item on my list. Those lists. I have so many things that need and must get done this week. Oh, help.
But this place. These animals. This air. I love it as much as they do! My soul says, let them be. Breathe. And let yourself be…just for now.
My girls run. My son finds a crazy haired goat to feed. It has white, curly bangs, half covering its face, I tell you! And time stands still. It really does. I can’t rush them along because honestly, I just don’t want to.
I breathe.
My list is soon forgotten deep in my pocket. I play with my boy who gets all muddied and wet and we laugh and make friends with those silly crazy haired goats. My girls hold bunnies close and dance, carefree. The ducks are quacking away, loud. The horse comes right up close to us and gazes at me with those big, brown eyes…and I smile at him. Oh, this place. I step back, observe, slow down and rest. My mind rests — that nagging sense reminding me of all that I need to do, well, it quiets down. And with a heart that is being guarded by Peace, I take hold of this gift my Creator knew I needed today. This raw beauty before me. This chance to breathe. This gift of grace.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.Psalm 131:2
Tags: beauty, day by day, farm, grace, homeschool, learning, rest, Sing, singing
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